Methods and apparatuses for time-constrained games of billiards, pool and the like

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally directed to novel methods for playing billiards, pool and the like. The methods generally include associating a first player with a first timer set to a first value of time and a second player with a second timer set to a second value of time. The players generally take turns according to the rules of a game of pool or billiards while having the time in the first timer expire during said first player&#39;s inning or set of innings and the time in the second timer expire during said second player&#39;s inning or set of innings. The game generally ends whenever (a) a player&#39;s timer completely expires or (b) a player succeeds in achieving the object of the game before said player&#39;s timer completely expires. The winner is generally the player having time remaining while said player&#39;s opponent&#39;s time has completely expired or the player who achieved the object of the game before said player&#39;s time completely expired. A billiards table functionally associated with a timing device is also disclosed. The device generally includes a first timer adapted to be set to a first value greater than zero and a second timer adapted to be set to a second value greater than zero. One or more timer controllers are available to control the timers. Timer displays show the time remaining in each timer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is pool and billiards tables and methods foruse thereof.

Introduction

There are numerous types of billiards and pool games (hereinafter“billiard games”) played around the world. The games generally entail arectangular felt covered table having 6 pockets, a number of objectballs and a cue ball. The games generally involve driving the cue ballagainst object balls such that said object balls go into one of thepockets. Popular billiards games include 8-ball, 9-ball, One Pocket andCutthroat. The equipment necessary to play these types of games,including tables, balls, cue sticks, triangles, chalk and otherimplements are available commercially from a variety of vendors.

Billiard games are also available virtually, for example as video gamesor online games. Popular billiards video game titles include “BackspinBilliards” available at Yahoo!® Games and Arcade_Pool_II from Team17Software Ltd.

Valley-Dynamo (www.valley-dynamo.com) apparently produces and sells abilliards table for playing SpeedPool™. SpeedPool appears to be a singleplayer game in which a player is generally timed as he or she sinks allfifteen balls in any order, as long as the 8 ball is last, and whereplayers who can sink all fifteen balls faster are considered better atthe game.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,121 to Garret relates to a game score computingdevice. According to the patent disclosure, the device includes manuallyactuatable switch input means for inputting data corresponding to gamescores of game players, and timing means for timing the duration of playof up to four SpeedPool™ players. A data processor responsive to thegame score and the timing operation determine the winning player anddisplay means responsive to the data processor provide a visual displayidentifying the winning player.

Billiards games, whether live or virtual, generally are not timeconstrained. This presents undesirable consequences, including thatgames can run long. Long games decrease the rentability of coin-operatedpool tables while also frustrating customers waiting to play. Prolongedgames also make televising competitive matches more difficult. Sometelevised 9-ball tournaments have implemented a shot-clock to keep thepace of the game. However the shot clock apparently is re-set afterevery shot, so there apparently is no limit on the overall amount oftime a player may spend at the table during a game, or set of games(match) or the overall length of time a game or match may last, againcausing some to become long and unexciting.

Accordingly, there is a need for apparatuses and methods of play forplaying time constrained games of pool, billiards and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to novelmethods for playing billiards, pool and the like. The method generallyincludes associating a first player with a first timer set to a firstvalue of time and a second player with a second timer set to a secondvalue of time. The players generally take turns according to the rulesof a game of pool or billiard while having the time in the first timerexpire during said first player's inning or set of innings and the timein the second timer expire during said second player's inning or set ofinnings. The game generally ends whenever (a) a player's timercompletely expires or (b) a player succeeds in achieving the object ofthe game before said player's timer completely expires. The winner isgenerally the player having time remaining while said player'sopponent's time has completely expired or the player who achieved theobject of the game before said player's time completely expired.

In a second, independent embodiment, the preset invention is directed toa billiards table functionally associated with a timing device. Thedevice generally includes a first timer adapted to be set to a firstvalue greater than zero and a second timer adapted to be set to a secondvalue greater than zero. One or more timer controllers are available tocontrol the timers. Timer displays show the time remaining in eachtimer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a billiards table including a device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a billiards table including a device inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a billiards table functionallyassociated with a device in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a billiards table functionallyassociated with a device in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a billiards table functionallyassociated with a device in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a routine in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention that enables the initial setting of a device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a routine in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention that enables processing signals received by adevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a routine in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention that enables processing a pause signal receivedby a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a routine in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention that enables determination of a winner by adevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning now in detail to the drawings, in the embodiment shown in FIG.1, a billiards table 10 includes a device 12, and four sets of two timercontrols 14, 16 functionally associated with the device 12. While theembodiment is exemplified using a six-pocket pool table, the device,controls and other implements of the present invention may be present orfunctionally associated with any of a variety of pool and/or billiardstables, both real and virtual.

Turning to FIG. 2, the device 12 shown in this embodiment includes, oris functionally associated with, at least two timer displays 210, 212.In other embodiments (not shown), a different number of timer displaysmay be present, including, for example, 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more timerdisplays. The timer displays 210, 212 are functionally associated with atimer (not shown), or the like, or any effective system or mechanism forkeeping time that may generally be set to a given value greater thanzero, be started and paused, and keep time, in particular being able tocount from zero to said set time or from said set time down to zero. Atimer display generally reflects the amount of time that remains in agiven timer, or the like. Generally at least one timer display ispresent for each player or team of players.

Generally a timer display used for the present invention may take anyeffective form and display any effective amount of time. A timer displayused for the present invention may also display any effective incrementof time. For example, a timer display in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention may include an “hours” interval field. A timerdisplay in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mayinclude a “minutes” time interval field. A timer display in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention may include a “seconds”interval field. A timer display in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention may include a “milliseconds” time interval field.Combinations of the above enumerated fields, or the addition ofadditional fields, for example, micro-seconds, days, or the like, arealso within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 2, the timer displays 210, 212 include minutes 214, 218 andseconds 216, 220 interval fields for each timer.

A device in accordance with the present invention generally alsoincludes, or is functionally associated with, one or more controls orone or more sets of controls. A control or set of controls, whenpresent, may take any effective form and perform any function for whichthe control or set of controls may be made effective. For example, acontrol or set of controls may be used to set parameters of the device,including, for example, the type of game, the number of players, theamount of time allotted, and the like. A control or set of controls maygenerally also be present to control one or more timers of a device.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device includes an inputpad 222, or the like, that enables the setting of the device's timers,which set time is reflected in the timer displays 210, 212. Buttons 224and 226 are used to navigate the time fields 214, 216, 218, 220 whilebuttons 228 and 230 are used to increment or decrement the values ofsaid selected time fields 214, 216, 218, 220. Generally, as a timeinterval field 214, 216, 218, 220 is selected it may begin to flash, forexample, to indicate it is active and that it may then be changed. Whilein the embodiment shown an input pad 222 is used to set the timers orset of timers, the timer or set of timers may be set in any effectivemanner. For example, any of the myriad systems and methods used incommercially available timers, clocks, and the like, may be used.

A device in accordance with the present invention generally includes, oris functionally associated with, one or more timer controls, generallyin the form of one or more buttons or the like. Timer controlsfunctionally associated with a timing device in accordance with thepresent invention may be located, or adapted to be located, in anyeffective manner and place on or about a billiards table, includingbeing integrally formed with the device or the table. Generally a timercontrol is positioned such that during a game a player may access thetimer control without much delay or effort. For example, a timer controlor set of controls may be disposed on or about the table, preferably ina place that is unobtrusive to the game. In the embodiment shown in FIG.1, for example, four sets of timer control buttons 14, 16 arestrategically present on the rail or shoulder of the table. Inalternative embodiments, one or more timer control buttons or set ofbuttons may be present on the device. In yet another embodiment, thetimer control may be portable, or the like, such that a player may carryit during a match, in which case the timer control will generallycommunicate with the device 12 wirelessly, or the like. In anotherembodiment, a timer control or set of controls is adapted to be mountedon a billiards table. In another embodiment, for example, a timercontrol or set of controls is adapted to be mounted within the playingarea around a billiards table. In yet another example, a timer controlor set of controls may be present at an officiating table, booth or thelike.

In one embodiment, actuating a control, including a timer controlprovides a feedback signal. Any effective signal may be provided. In oneembodiment the signal is auditory, e.g., a sound or the like. In anotherembodiment the signal is visual, or the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the timers are controlled bybuttons 14, 16 present on the table. When pressed, the buttons 14, 16change the active/de-active state of one or more timers functionallyassociated with the device 12. In this case, generally when player X'stimer is active 210, pressing a first timer control button 14deactivates player X's timer 210 (pauses the time decrement of the timerof player X) and activates the timer of player Y 212 (starts the timedecrement of the timer of player Y). Pressing button 14 when the timerof player Y 212 is active generally has no effect. Conversely, forexample, when player Y's timer 212 is active, pressing a second timercontrol button 16 deactivates player Y's timer 212 (pauses the timedecrement of the timer of player Y) and activates the timer of player X210 (starts the time decrement of the timer of player X). Pressingbutton 16 when the timer of player X 210 is active generally has noeffect.

Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, a singletimer control button or set of buttons controls more than one timer (notshown). In this embodiment, for example, when player X's timer isactive, pressing the timer control button deactivates player X's timer(pauses the time decrement of the timer of player X) and activates thetimer of player Y (starts the time decrement of the timer of player Y),and, conversely, when player Y's timer is active, pressing the timercontrol button deactivates player Y's timer (pauses the time decrementof the timer of player Y) and activates the timer of player X (startsthe time decrement of the timer of player X).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the device 12 includes a pause button234, or the like. Actuating the pause button 234 generally causes allthe timers associated with the device to pause. In one embodiment,described in more detail herein, the pause control also causes thedevice to assess whether the game has concluded.

A device in accordance with the present invention may include, or befunctionally associated with, one or more indicators to indicate one ormore states of a game. Generally a game status indicator is adapted tobe positioned in any effective manner and place such that, without mucheffort, it may be visible by a player during a game. States of a gamethat may be indicated include, for example, which player is “active”(e.g., whose turn it is), whether someone is out of time, whether thegame is over, and the like. When present, an indicator may take anyeffective form and may include any effective device or method adapted toindicate information regarding an aspect of a game. The indicators may,for example, include LED lights, or the like, of the type that may beilluminated or off. The indicator may also, for example, include an LCDtype screen, or the like. An indicator may also, for example, includeauditory signals, including sounds, or the like. An indicator may becontrolled in any effective manner. For example, an indicator may beunder the control of a controller, processor, or the like (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, lights 236, 238 indicate theactive player. The illuminatable “game over” display 240 indicates whena game is over.

While in the embodiment shown the device 12 includes an indicatoradapted to indicate the active player, the active player may beindicated in any effective manner. In another embodiment, for example,the active player is indicated by flashing the player's timer display,or, alternatively, by flashing the timer display of non-active players.In yet another example, the active player may be ascertained because thetime associated with his or her timer display is running.

Timer control buttons 14, 16 may also be illuminated to indicate theactive player. For example, the active player's timer control may beilluminated while the resting player's timer control may be notilluminated, or the active and resting players' timer controls may beeach illuminated in a different color.

The device, controls and other implements of the present invention maybe powered in any effective manner, including, for example, connectionto a power outlet, batteries, and the like.

The device 12 may be activated in any effective manner, including, forexample, a button, a coin, bill, token or another value type acceptingmechanism, or the like. When a value accepting mechanism is present toactivate the device 12 the value accepting mechanism may be functionallyindependent of a value accepting mechanism that may be associated withthe release of the balls or it may be functionally associated with therelease of the balls.

The device, timer displays and timer controllers in accordance with thepresent invention may be functionally associated with a pool orbilliards table, or adapted to be mounted in a manner such that they arefunctionally associated with a pool or billiards table, in any effectiveconfiguration and manner. FIGS. 3-6 illustrate further non-limitingconfigurations in accordance with other embodiments of the presentinvention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a coin operated billiards table 310includes a device 312 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The device 312 is functionally associated with a valueaccepting mechanism 314 adapted to activate the device 312 and releasesthe balls. Additional timer displays 316, 318 functionally associatedwith the device 312 are placed such as to be visible by the players, inthe example shown by being mounted on a light fixture 320, or the like,over the table 310.

As exemplified in FIG. 3, timer displays in accordance with the presentinvention may alternatively or additionally be present, or adapted to bemounted, in any effective manner and place on or about a billiardstable. Timer displays effectively associated with the device may befunctionally associated with the device in any effective manner,including by wire, wirelessly, or the like. Generally a device of thepresent invention is functionally associated with timer displayspositioned such that the timer displays may be visible by a person fromone or more spots around the table with which it is associated.Generally a timer display in accordance with the present invention maybe placed, or adapted to be placed, on a table or about the periphery ofa billiards table at a distance from the table that is commensurate withthe size of the display. In another non-limiting example, one or moretimer displays may be present, or adapted to be mounted, on a lateralsurface of a billiards table. In another non-limiting example, one ormore timer displays may be present, or adapted to be mounted, on theshoulder, rail, or other substantially horizontal surface of a billiardstable. In another non-limiting example, one or more timer displays maybe adapted to be mounted on a wall, or the like, or be present on awall, or the like, near the billiards table. In one embodiment, forexample, one or more timer displays may be placed, or adapted to beplaced, generally at about eye level or higher.

As also exemplified in FIG. 3, a device in accordance with the presentinvention may be functionally associated with a coin, bill, token oranother value-type accepting mechanism, or the like, which generallypermits activation of the device. When a value accepting mechanism isfunctionally associated with a device of the present invention themechanism may also be functionally associated with the release of theballs, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, or, in other embodiments,the mechanism may be functionally independent from the release of theballs.

While the devices shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 are present on a lateralsurface of a billiards table, a device in accordance with the presentinvention may be present, or adapted to be mounted, in any functionallyeffective place and manner on or about a billiards table. Generally adevice of the present invention is functionally associated, or adaptedto be functionally associated, with a pool or billiards table by beingadapted to be functionally associated with a) timer displays that arepositioned, or adapted to be positioned, such that the timer displaysmay be visible by a person from one or more spots around the table withwhich the device is associated and b) timer controls positioned, oradapted to be positioned, such that during a game a player at the tablemay access a timer control without much delay or effort, for example,preferably within about 12 feet from the table, or more preferablywithin about 3 feet from the table, or yet more preferably integrallyformed with the table. Timer displays and timer controllers functionallyassociated with a device may be functionally associated with the devicein any effective manner, including by wire, wirelessly, or the like.

FIG. 4 exemplifies another non-limiting placement for a device 412 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the device 412 is functionally associatedwith a pool or billiards table 410 by being mounted on a light fixture320, or the like, over the table 410. Timer displays 210, 212 and timercontrollers 14, 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are integrallyformed with the device 412. In another non-limiting example, the device412 may be present, or adapted to be mounted, on a wall, fixture, or thelike, functionally near the billiards table 410.

FIG. 5 exemplifies another non-limiting configuration of a timing device512 functionally associated with a pool or billiards table 510. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, the device 512 is mounted on a light fixture320, or the like, over a pool or billiards table 510. The pool orbilliards table 510 includes a value accepting mechanism 514 that isfunctionally associated with the device 512 such that the mechanism isadapted to both activate the device 512 and release the balls when themechanism 514 is successfully actuated. In another non-limiting example,the device 512 may be present, or adapted to be mounted, on a wall,fixture, or the like, such that the device is functionally associatedwith the billiards table 510.

FIG. 6 exemplifies another non-limiting configuration of a timing device612 functionally associated with a pool or billiards table 610. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, the device 612 is mounted on a light fixture320, or the like, over a pool or billiards table 610. The pool orbilliards table 510 includes four sets (two shown) of time controllers14, 16 functionally associated with the device 612. While the device 612is shown mounted on a light fixture 320, or the like, like in otherembodiments, the device 612 may be present, or adapted to be mounted inother effective places, including, for example, on a wall, fixture, orthe like, such that is functionally associated with the billiards table610.

In one embodiment, after a timer runs out of time a mechanism disablesthe table from further play until the device is re-set or re-initiated.The mechanism that disables the table may be any effective mechanism. Inone embodiment the table tilts such as to clear all balls from the tableinto the pockets. In another embodiment the pockets are locked.

In accordance with another embodiment a kit in accordance with thepresent invention includes a device adapted to be functionallyassociated with a billiards or pool table, one or more timer controls orset of controls that are adapted to work with said device and be mountedor functionally associated with a billiards or pool table. In anotherembodiment, the kit also includes one or more timer displays adapted towork with said device and be mounted or functionally associated with abilliards or pool table.

The games of the present invention generally entail players taking turnsat a billiards table according to the rules and conventions of a game.Each player's turn is generally referred to as an “inning.” A playeractive during an inning is generally referred to herein as the “activeplayer.”Depending on the specific rules of the game being played, aplayer's timer may be ticking or paused when said player is active orinactive. In other embodiments, e.g., pursuant to other sets of rules, atimer's ticking or paused state may be independent on whether a givenplayer is active or inactive.

Accordingly, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention generally includes associating a timer set to a value witheach player before a game of pool or billiards is initiated. Timers maybe set to any effective value. The values will generally depend on thegame being played, the level of skill of the players, and the level ofdifficulty desired. The values will generally also depend on thespecific rules followed for a game, for example, whether a player mustwait until all balls come to rest before shooting, whether a player mustwait until the cue ball comes to rest before shooting, whether a playermay shoot balls while they are still in motion, and the like. Generallytimers are set such that they are a factor in the game, but that it isstill possible to win a game by completing the object of the gamewithout running out of time. Preferably there is an about 50% chancethat a game will end because a player ran out of time and 50% chancethat a game will end because a player completed the object of the gamebefore their time expired. However the ratio may be changed depending onthe level of excitement desired, or based on other considerations.

Generally, for games like 8 ball, 9 ball, cutthroat and the like, and,for example, the game is being played such that all balls must come torest before a player may shoot, each timer will be set to a value in arange from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, or in a range from about2 minutes to about 10 minutes, or in a range from about 2:30 minutes toabout 5 minutes. In one preferred embodiment the timers are each set to2 minutes. In another preferred embodiment the timers are each set to 2minutes 30 seconds. In another preferred embodiment the timers are eachset to 3 minutes. In another preferred embodiment the timers are eachset to 4 minutes. In another preferred embodiment the timers are eachset to 5 minutes. When a match involves winning more than one game, thetimers may be set by multiplying the above values by the number ofmatches required to win.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a handicap is providedto one player by providing said player's timer with more time than saidplayer's adversary. Said timers may then be adjusted game to game untilthere generally is an equal chance of one player or the other winning agame.

After the timers are set, the game is then generally initiated andplayed according to the traditional rules of said game. Traditionalrules of pool and billiards games are available from reference books,including, for example, “Billiards, Revised and Updated: The OfficialRules and Records Book” by R. A. Dyer and Billiards Congress of America(Paperback—May 1, 2005), “Billiards: The Official Rules & Records Book,2004 Edition (World-Standardized Rules)” by Billiard Congress of America(Paperback—April 2004), and other editions of said books published bythe Billiards Congress of America, which books are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. While theparticulars may vary according to the specific embodiment, generallytime on a timer associated with a player expires while said player'sinning (or set of innings) progress. The timers associated with thedevice are generally controlled by the players using the timer controls14, 16, generally by pressing their respective timer control 14 or 16 atthe end of their inning. The game generally ends whenever the first of aset of rules including rules (a), (b) or (a) and (b) is satisfied. Rule(a) generally ends a game when a player completes the game according tothe rules of said game before said player's time completely expires.Rule (b) generally ends a game when at least one player's time hasexpired. In one embodiment of the present invention, a winner ornon-loser of a pool or billiards type game is determined as a playersatisfying a set of rules for said pool or billiards type game pursuantto rule (a). In another embodiment of the present invention, a winner ornon-loser of a pool or billiards type game is determined as a playerwhose opponent has run afoul of rule (b), e.g., their opponent has runout of time. Accordingly, in another embodiment of the presentinvention, a winner or non-loser of a pool or billiards type game isdetermined as a player satisfying a set of rules for said pool orbilliards type game, wherein said set of rules also including rules (a),(b) or (a) and (b).

In another embodiment, a further rule, rule (c) generally ends a gamewhen a player scratches more than a predetermined number of times duringa game. For example, a winner or non-loser of a pool or billiards typegame is determined as a player whose opponent scratched three (oranother predetermined number) times, despite said opponent still havingtime available in his or her clock, and despite said player not havingcompleted the game according to the rules of said game.

In another embodiment, a further rule, rule (d) generally penalizes aplayer who presses his or her timer controller while by rule it is stilltheir turn. In one embodiment said player is penalized by losing thegame. In another embodiment said player is penalized by being chargedwith a scratch. In another embodiment said player loses his or her turn.

In another embodiment a timing device in accordance with the presentinvention is implemented virtually and is functionally associated with avirtual billiards or pool table, or the like.

In another set of embodiments, the present invention may be described inthe form of a system. The system is generally functionally associatedwith a pool or billiards table, real or virtual. The system may beimplemented in any effective manner, including, for example, mechanical,electronic, with a processor, and the like. One embodiment of a systemin accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10.

Any effective process may be used to initially activate a system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A flow diagramillustrating a process or routine 700 enabling an initial activation ofa system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention isshown in FIG. 7. The system may be activated 702 in any effectivemanner, such as, for example, receiving the input of a control, theacceptance of a certain value, token, and the like. In one embodiment,the activation of the system is generally associated with making theballs available for play. After the system is activated, a time intervalfor each player or team is generally received, stored and displayed bythe system 704, 706. In an alternative embodiment, time intervals mayalso be pre-set to a certain value, such that time intervals need not,or may not, be modified by the players, but only by an authorized systemadministrator, or the like. In one embodiment, the time intervals arethe same for all players, in which case setting one said time intervalis sufficient. The system generally idles until it receives a startsignal 708.

Any effective process may be used after a system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention receives a start signal. A flowdiagram illustrating a process or routine 800 enabling processing ofthis event in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention isshown in FIG. 8. In the embodiment shown, the system generally activatesa first player's timer 802. The system then assesses whether it hasreceived a signal to change the active timer 804. If the system hasreceived a signal to switch the active timer, the system determines thenext timer it should activate 806 and activates that timer whiledeactivating the previously active timer 802, 808. If the system has notreceived a signal to change the active timer, the system assesseswhether there is time remaining in the active timer 810. If time remainsin the active timer, the time available in the active timer is decreasedand the active timer display is updated to reflect the time remaining inthe active timer 812. If time does not remain in the active timer, thesystem generally activates an indicator that indicates the timer is outof time 814. After decreasing the time available in the active timer orotherwise indicating the timer is out of time, the system assesseswhether it has received a signal to pause 816. If the system has notreceived a signal to pause, the system loops back to assess whether ithas received a signal to change the active timer 804.

Any effective process may be used when a system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention receives a pause signal, or thelike. A flow diagram illustrating a process or routine 900 enabling aresponse to a pause signal in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 9. In the embodiment shown, if thesystem has received a signal to pause 902, the system pauses the timers904 and assesses whether time remains in the timers 906. If no timeremains in at least one timer, the system terminates the game 908 andproceeds to determine a winner (see, e.g., FIG. 10). If time remains inthe timers, the system idles 910, 912 until it receives a signal toactivate a timer 914, 916, in which case it resumes its function (see,e.g., FIG. 8).

Any effective process may be used for a system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention to determine a winner. A flowdiagram illustrating a process or routine 1000 enabling determination ofwinner in a system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 10. In the embodiment shown, once the systemhas assessed that one timer is out of time (e.g., 814, 906, 908) 1002,the system assesses whether at least one timer still has time 1004. Ifno time remains in any timer, the system displays a draw 1006. If timeremains on one timer 1008, 1010, 1012, the system displays said timer asassociated with a winner 1014.

In one embodiment, for example where the game is implemented virtually,the timer functions may be switched without input from the players.According to this embodiment, when an algorithm or set of algorithmsdetermines that a player's inning has come to an end, the same oranother algorithm or set of algorithms may stop the player's timer whileactivating the next active player's timer. In one embodiment, when analgorithm or set of algorithms determine that a player has won accordingto a set of rules, wherein the set of rules includes rules (a), (b), (a)and (b) or a combination of rules (a) and (b) with rules (c) and (d)supra, an algorithm or set of algorithms may end the game and declare awinner.

EXAMPLE 1 Eight Ball

The balls are racked according to the rules of eight ball on a pooltable functionally associated with a device of the present invention.Two timers of the device are set to a predetermined value, five minutes,for example. The player that will break sets up (the “first player”),and his or her opponent (the “second player”) starts the first player'stimer. The first player breaks and continues to play until the end oftheir inning. At the end of their inning, the first player activates thetimer control, which changes the active timer such that the firstplayer's timer is paused and the second player's timer is running. Thesecond player then plays their inning. At the end of their inning, thesecond player activates the timer control, which changes the activetimer such that the second player's timer is paused and the firstplayer's timer is running. The players continue to alternate generallyuntil one of the timers expires, one player scratches the eight ball, orone player makes all his or her balls and the eight ball before theirtime expires.

EXAMPLE 2 Nine Ball Match

The balls are racked according to the rules of nine ball on a pool tablefunctionally associated with a device of the present invention. Twotimers of the device are set to a predetermined value. The player thatwill break sets up (the “first player”), and his or her opponent (the“second player”) starts the first player's timer. The first playerbreaks and continues to play until the end of their inning. At the endof their inning, the first player activates the timer control, whichchanges the active timer such that the first player's timer is pausedand the second player's timer is running. The second player then playstheir inning. At the end of their inning, the second player activatesthe timer control, which changes the active timer such that the secondplayer's timer is paused and the first player's timer is running. Theplayers continue to alternate innings according to the rules of 9 ball,generally until one of the timers expires, one player forfeits the matchas the result of a foul, or one player has won the required number ofgames or scored the required number of points before their time expires.

Generally the timers are paused in between games while the balls arebeing re-racked. Generally the winner of each game breaks in the next.In other embodiments, the following options may be designated inadvance: (a) players alternate breaks; (b) loser breaks; (c) playertrailing in game count breaks the next game.

Thus, a novel billiards table functionally associated with a timingdevice and novel games of skill have been shown and described. Manychanges and modifications can of course be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, shouldnot be limited, except by the following claims, and their equivalence.

1. A billiards table, the billiards table further comprising: a firstbutton adapted to control at least a first timer; a second buttonadapted to control at least a second timer; wherein said first timer isadapted to be set to a first value of time and said second timer isadapted to be set to a second value of time.
 2. The billiards table ofclaim 1, wherein said first button is adapted when actuated to causesaid first timer to become active and start expiring the time availablein said first timer and said second button is adapted when actuated tocause said second timer to become active and start expiring the timeavailable in said second timer.
 3. The billiards table of claim 2,wherein said first button when actuated is further adapted to cause saidsecond timer, if said second timer is active, to pause and retain thelast value said second timer held at the time said first button wasactuated.
 4. The billiards table of claim 2, wherein said second buttonwhen actuated is further adapted to cause said first timer, if saidfirst timer is active, to pause and retain the last value said firsttimer held at the time said second button was actuated.
 5. The billiardstable of claim 1, wherein said first timer is functionally associatedwith a first timer display and said second timer is functionallyassociated with a second timer display.
 6. The billiards table of claim1, wherein the billiards table further comprises a value acceptingmechanism, wherein successful actuation of said value acceptingmechanism makes billiards balls available for play.
 7. The billiardstable of claim 6, wherein successful actuation of said value acceptingmechanism re-sets said first and second timers.
 8. The billiards tableof claim 1, wherein the billiards table further comprises an input padfor setting said first and second timers.
 9. (canceled)
 10. Thebilliards table of claim 1, wherein the billiards table furthercomprises a first indicator adapted to indicate when said first timer'stime has fully expired and a second indicator adapted to indicate whensaid second timer's time has fully expired.
 11. A billiards table, thebilliards table comprising: a first timer, wherein said first timer isadapted to be set to a first value greater than zero; a second timer,wherein said second timer is adapted to be set to a second value greaterthan zero; an input pad for setting said first and second timers; atimer controller, wherein the timer controller when actuatedalternatively initiates and pauses, respectively, said first and secondtimers; a first timer display and a second timer display, wherein thefirst timer display displays the value of said first timer and thesecond timer display displays the value of said second timer; a valueaccepting mechanism adapted to activate said timing device when saidvalue accepting mechanism is successfully actuated; a first indicatoradapted to indicate when said first timer's time has fully expired; afirst indicator adapted to indicate when said second timer's time hasfully expired.
 12. A timing device functionally associated with abilliards table, wherein the timing device comprises: a first timerfunctionally associated to a first timer display, wherein said firsttimer is adapted to be set to a first value greater than zero; a secondtimer functionally associated to a second timer display, wherein saidsecond timer is adapted to be set to a second value greater than zero;wherein said timing device is functionally associated with a timercontroller; wherein actuating said timer controller activates said firsttimer causing expiration of the time available in said first timer, andthereafter, actuating said timer controller causes the active timer topause while activating the alternate of said first and second timerscausing expiration of the time available from the last value at whichsaid alternate timer was last paused. 13-20. (canceled)